Much of Australia’s East Coast seems to exist purely for tourists with tacky design and fast food outlets lining the streets. Port Douglas is different, a charming seaside town with a laid-back vibe, boutique shops and independent restaurants (such as Harrisons restaurant and Origin Espresso cafe).

There are a few lovely hotels in the area, though I recommend staying at the characterful and unique Artist’s Treehouse. This quirky three-bedroom house was once the home of Tina and Matt Gonsalves, and their gorgeous art collection still adorns the walls. You will find everything you need here and more, from cooking and washing facilities to the collection of interesting books, games and DVDs. This creative sanctuary provided the perfect home for my three days in Port Douglas, and it was a refreshing break from hotels and hostels. The couple also have a few other properties in the area, all eclectically decorated and available to rent from Airbnb or directly.

Port Douglas is the best base for Great Barrier Reef exploring. After extensive research I decided to take the ‘Outer Reef Cruise’ with Quicksilver. It is a 90- minute journey to the Agincourt ribbon reefs where Quicksilver have a spacious reef activity platform. From here you can snorkel, dive or see the underwater world from the comfort of their semi-submersible boat. This location is an optimum place to see the colourful coral, tropical fish and, if you are lucky, you might even spot reef sharks, turtles and stingrays. A buffet lunch and snorkeling equipment are provided.

For a bit of pampering head to QT, the town’s most stylish hotel. I enjoyed a blissfully relaxing custom facial at their spa. My therapist Tara used a range of the soothing Uspa products to deeply cleanse and moisturise my sun-worn skin. As she used the vitamin C rich lotions I could feel my skin tingle, and the radiant effects were clearly visible after the treatment. QT is also popular with guests and locals for its Bazaar buffet brunch. Order a freshly made omelette or waffles, or just enjoy the comprehensive exotic fruit and cereal selection.

Many tourists visiting Port Douglas will fly in and out of nearby Cairns. If you find yourself with a day or two here, dine at Tamarind for upmarket Thai cuisine, sample the award-winning coffee at Blackbird (order a ‘magic’) and try the delicious organic lunch dishes at Noa.

I recommend hiring a car in Cairns and driving to Port Douglas along the Captain Cook Highway for one of Australia’s best coastal drives. It takes just an hour, but you may like to stop for photos at Palm Cove on the way. A rental car will also give you the freedom to venture out for the day from Port Douglas to see some of the stunning local sights. Mossman Gorge is an important and beautiful area, famous for its ancient rainforest and Aboriginal history. A little further North is spectacular Cape Tribulation, where Daintree National Park meets the Great Barrier Reef. Spend a day exploring the rainforest and beaches, and be sure to stop off for a homemade cooling snack at Daintree Ice-cream Company.